Frequently Asked Questions

Ireland has an ancient history of both forest protection followed by industrial deforestation. Up until 500 years ago most of Ireland's large remaining woodlands had been protected as an important resource through the Native Gaelic legal system known as the Brehon Laws. With the conquest of Ireland this legal system was swept aside by profiteers who cleared and sold the Irish woodlands within only a few decades.

Today Ireland has the lowest figure for native woodland cover of any previously wooded European region. Today, only 1% of Ireland is covered with native woodland. Ireland’s story parallels the present day story of deforestation in tropical countries.

Ironically Ireland has some of the best climatic conditions in the temperate world for growing trees. NuaTree sees the restoration of predominately native woodlands as an imperative, not only to increase Ireland's contribution to global carbon sequestration but as an example of what woodland can achieve for landscape and community resilience in a modern outward looking society. Our aim is that we will be an example of best practice for other regions of the world to follow.

NuaTree reforestation work seeks to ensure that trees planted will reach maturity and continue as a sustainable forests for many years to come. Depending on factors such as soil type, altitude and wind speed, the creation of woodland is varied, with different maxes of tree species required for different locations.

A woodland is more than the sum of its trees. What we mean by this is that on new woodland sites we understand that some trees, essential pioneer species will eventually make way for larger climax species, such as Oak. This process is a long one, perhaps taking over 150 years or more. The woodlands we plant will employ a variety of species, tailored to the specific needs of each site. We will, where required, protect trees from grazing or other risks. It is not unusual for some trees will die back in the first few years, during this time we will replant any losses if needed. We will also plant trees in sufficient densities, to ensure that they shelter and protect each other as they grow.

Natural disasters, which are ca be termed ‘acts of God’, sometimes damage and or destroy young woodlands. Examples of this can be fires, flood or disease. Fortunately destruction of this kind is extremely rare in predominantly deciduous woodland. If this happens we will have contingency to replant the damaged area and/or assign your contribution to another woodland.

A mature, ancient woodland is a hugely important living system that stores carbon, and provides many benefits when compared to a new woodland. However, less than 1% of Ireland contains native woodland. While NuaTree is committed to reforestation of predominantly native tree species, we, whenever possible, seek to protect pockets of ancient of even semi-mature native woodland.

Stopping deforestation is of utmost importance, however NuaTree believes that reconnecting people in Ireland with sustainable woodlands and using woodlands to improve farmland is part of this global process. For example, significant amounts of timber and animals feeds coming into Ireland are grown in tropical regions. When tropical forest is cut down many unsustainable crops are grown in their stead destroying soils, wildlife and communities. By creating her own hardwood industry Ireland will reduce the future demand for unsustainable hardwoods from the tropics. By using trees to improve farmland, there will be a subsequent reduction in the need for unsustainable animal feeds grown on land cleared of tropical woodland.

The range of projects that NuaTree is involved with will grow and become more diverse in both its geographical location and project goals. You will see the range of areas and projects in which trees will be planted. NuaTree can provide information with regard to visiting Ireland to see projects.